It’s not about left or right, it’s about right or wrong.

Thank you and congratulations!

March 7th, 2018

While this Primary did not turn out the way my team and I had planned and hoped, we are very proud of the honorable, clean, and substantive campaign we ran and the progress made in a part of Harris County typically ignored by the Democratic Party leadership.

At every opportunity, our campaign kept the pressure on John Culberson by holding him accountable and made the case to voters that Democrats are the agents of change and prosperity. Our campaign did not attack our Democratic opponents or allies; we kept positive and on the issues. When we did hit hard, it was with an ad placing the blame for a lack of flood control where it belongs on the 2 decade incumbent. With this ad, we offered primary voters a prelude of what to expect in the general election.

At every opportunity, our campaign demonstrated that the values of this District overlap with Democratic values and policies. We did not force our values on others, like the Tea Party does. As an example, we built a consensus among oil and gas workers and renewable energy workers on the future of the Energy Capital and how Congress can help shape and accelerate that future. Americans are tired of divisive politics, and often stay home because they see both parties choosing one side at the expense of a better, fairer outcome. Policy making should not be a zero-sum game. Rather, diversity is a strength only when all of the colorful strands are woven together into a strong beautiful fabric.

At every opportunity, our campaign escaped the political bubble and reached out to new groups and new people to welcome them into the election process so that their voices could be heard. As designed, this illegally gerrymandered District simply does not have enough Democrats. This cycle we were joined by Indivisible, Swing Left, Mom’s Demand Action, 350.org, and other grassroots organizations and clubs. To win in November we must not take any voter for granted, nor should we require progressive litmus tests that only serve to divide us.

I hope whoever emerges from the Runoff continues this work of truly representing the people in District 7. Everyone agrees Congress is broken. Everyone agrees that the principles of our Constitution are being neglected. Everyone fears the future rather than looks forward to it. We must continue to offer solutions that respect our Constitution and values. Democrats must present a future where everyone is included and treated equally under the law.

Congratulations to Lizzie Pannill Fletcher and Laura Moser. Congratulations to the voters of Congressional District 7 for casting 53.7% of their votes for women (something I just could not offer this cycle). Thank you to Alex Triantaphyllis, Joshua Butler, Ivan Sanchez and Jason Westin for “being in the arena” with me.

I want to thank everyone who donated; most of you did it multiple times because you understood the need for persistence. I especially want to thank my team, both current members and my vast alumni network. When professional graphic designers, CPA’s, marketing professors, traditional and social media experts, community leaders, and other skilled and talented individuals donate their time, it does not appear in an FEC report. It is what real grassroots campaigns are made of.

My greatest gratitude and appreciation are for Dorina. She is both my strongest supporter and toughest critic. Together, we made sacrifices, and together, we are humbled from the generosity and kindness of the countless new friends we have made along the way.

Dorina, my team, and I are all very proud of the campaign we ran. We are sad to see it end, but we are very content to know we gave it our best and started something that has echoed across Harris County and the nation. May God bless each of you, the great state of Texas and these beautiful United States. May He give us much continued strength and wisdom to work together for a fair, just, and sustainable America.

Thank you,

James

Welcome

I’m running for US Congress in Texas’ 7th District because we deserve representation that reflects our values.

Houstonians want Congress to expand access to health care, stand up to discrimination, invest in science and research, and build an economy that gives all hardworking Americans the opportunity to succeed.

The stakes have never been higher, and we need someone who is ready to do the job from day one. I worked on Capitol Hill before the Tea Party, Culberson and Trump corrupted it. Now, I’m running for Congress to stand up to Trump when he ignores the Constitution and to ensure that the promise of America belongs to all of us.
I hope you’ll join me.

“James has the depth and breadth of experience to serve in the United States Congress”

- Rep. Jessica Farrar

“James is honest and hard-working with a strong commitment to public service”

- Former At-Large Council Member Melissa Noriega

“He is the candidate who can win in November against the Republicans and their Tea Party allies and stand up for women in these hostile times”

- Senator Sylvia Garcia

“Recently federal research funding has suffered deep cuts, Cargas will work to restore federal research funding”

- Dr. Robert Curl. Nobel Prize in Chemistry

“Very early on, way before he came to Washington, I worked with James and his family in my district in Michigan as a liaison to the Greek community,His family was very well respected. James was a thoughtful, persistent, fine young man, including the time he was part of my communications group. If elected, I believe he will do a fine job for his constituents.”

- Former Congressman David Bonior (D-MI)

” He does not give up “

- Rep. Alma Allen

“A much needed voice of reason in Washington DC”

- Gayle Fallon, former President, Houston Federation of Teachers

“The district leans Republican, but not so much that a moderate Democrat like Cargas can’t win”

While this Primary did not turn out the way my team and I had planned and hoped, we are very proud of the honorable, clean, and substantive campaign we ran and the progress made in a part of Harris County typically ignored by the Democratic Party leadership. At every opportunity,...

James has signed the #TownHallPledge and agreed to hold at least four open town hall meetings when elected. Read more here: www.TownHallProject.com As a reminder, here is how current John Culberson handled his single town hall in 2017. He selected a venue too small to...

When I entered the competition for the Democratic nomination, I anticipated being attacked by the incumbent and his Tea Party. I am sure the other Democratic candidates anticipated the same. It is incredibly disappointing, however, when such an attack comes from the very...

James Cargas Ad Hurricane Harvey and Past Due Flood Control – 60s

Cargas for Congress TV Ad

Devastating Houston Floods Ad

James Cargas Ad Hurricane Harvey and Past Due Flood Control – 30s

Go for the candidate who talks about Houston issues and not just in cable news quotes. That candidate is James Cargas. (Feb. 25, 2014)

His experience as a congressional press secretary provides important background on navigating Congress. In fact, it is that experience that drove Cargas to run, hoping to provide a voice of common-sense collegiality to a system now seemingly dominated by tea party extremism. (July 19, 2012)